Saltire Awards
The Saltire Awards honor young volunteers aged 11-25 in Scotland for their dedication and accomplishments. Participants receive nationally recognised certificates for various volunteering hours, from one-off projects to significant milestones. Supported by the Scottish Government, the awards promote personal development and enhance future opportunities through meaningful volunteering experiences.
Google Vids Update
Google Vids now supports vertical (9:16) and square (1:1) video sizes, alongside the existing widescreen format (16:9). Users can easily change video sizes via the menu bar. This enhancement provides greater flexibility for content creation and aligns with approved educational platforms by local authorities.
Google Chat Updates
Google Chat has introduced a redesigned integrations menu for easier access to apps and actions, allowing users to initiate commands with fewer clicks. Additionally, users can now send expressive stickers in conversations. Inline threading for direct messages is also being rolled out, enhancing message organization based on user feedback.
Adobe Express add-on for Google Drive
Adobe Express for Education offers a Google Drive add-in, enabling users to save files directly from the app. A short video explains its functionality. To request this add-in for a local authority, a Glow Key Contact needs to complete a Glow App Request form.
Google Meet Updates
Google Meet now includes a meeting timer feature that can be managed by hosts or participants to enhance focus and productivity. Additionally, live captions have been expanded to support Cantonese, enabling real-time text display during meetings, thereby facilitating better comprehension and participation for Cantonese speakers.
Back to School with Glow, October 2025
The Back to School with Glow news page for October 2025 provides updates on various tools, including Microsoft Teams and Google. It highlights new AI features, resources for educators, and access to interactive content through Glow Blogs. Graeme Logan is introduced as the Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland, focusing on curriculum improvement.
What’s New in the Learning Accelerators – Maths Progress
Maths Progress is a Learning Accelerator within Microsoft Teams that aids educators in creating, assessing, and analysing maths assignments. Key features include an AI question generator, customised assignments, automatic feedback, and an analytics dashboard to track performance and misconceptions, enhancing student understanding and support in maths topics.
Using AI in Assignments in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams introduces new AI features, enhancing assignment creation and feedback processes. AI will suggest content based on information provided when creating an assignment and utilise AI for feedback on student work, ensuring better clarity and support. Suggestions can be kept or adjusted as required.
Classwork Module Generation with AI
Classwork is an app in Teams designed for organising and sharing educational resources like assignments, OneNote pages, and files. It offers new AI features to assist educators in creating and managing course outlines and modules, streamlining the process of supporting students with various curriculum areas.